Time may be running out for residents to nominate their Local Legends in the lead up to Queensland Day but Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP, wants to be sure the Burdekin’s legends receive the recognition they deserve.

Across the state communities are nominating people that embody the Queensland spirit and those who are awarded legend status will certainly be celebrating Queensland Day in style.

“In every community you have people who just get in and get the job done without any fuss,” Mr Last said.  “Queensland Day is when we celebrate everything that makes Queensland great, and those people definitely make Queensland great.”

“There are no strict rules for what makes someone a Local Legend in our communities so there are no specific criteria when it comes to nominating them for recognition.  Whether it’s someone who patrols the beaches, helps people in need or mows the sporting fields, they make a huge contribution and they deserve our thanks.”

“It can be very easy to focus on the challenges that we face but the reality is we live in the best state in Australia.  Shining a light on those unsung heroes is just one way to ensure that, this Queensland Day, every Queenslander can see an example of the people that make our state the best.”

“When you think about what we have achieved as Queenslanders, there is almost always people behind the scenes who have made huge contributions.  Unlike other states, we don’t talk ourselves up as Queenslanders but, for one day of the year, I think we can make an exception and make sure those people are recognised.”

Selected Local Legends will be presented with their awards at Suncorp Stadium on Queensland Day when Queensland’s favourite places and produce across 15 categories will also be celebrated.

“Queenslanders work hard but, when the time’s right, we all like to enjoy great food or drinks or even a bit of a getaway,” Mr Last said.  “It’s almost impossible to pick the best of those categories so we are asking Queenslanders to have their say and settle the argument.”

“There is a range of categories from best beer to best coffee and best meat pie to best landmark.  People can vote for one of the existing contenders or nominate their own.”

“In my job I do a lot of travelling throughout Queensland and, without being biased, I know that there are quite a few places in the Burdekin that would easily be contenders.  While it’s a competition to some degree, it really is about having a bit of fun and celebrating the positives.”

“Queenslanders love to compete, especially when we are the underdogs, but we do that with the best spirit and sense of humour.  With the last few years being such challenging times, generating some pride in our community and our state is a win for everyone.”

Voting and nominations are now open via www.qld.gov.au/qld day.  Nominations for Local Legends close at 11.59pm on Sunday, June 1st.